Is your child starting secondary school next year? If you’ve not done so already, don’t forget to apply for a school place before Saturday 31 October! Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37504/…

Our Resourcing team will be at the Durham Careers Fair this week! A chance to talk about the huge variety of career opportunities available at the council, as well as explore our current vacancies with you. We can also support with application and interview guidance too! 👏 📍 Durham Town Hall 📅 Wednesday 21 October 2026, 10am - 2pm Register your free place: ukcareersfair.com/event/durh…

Residents in Crook, Tow Law, Peterlee and Stanley are being invited to have their say on new visions for their areas. As part of the government’s Pride in Place programme, which will see £20 million awarded to each place over the next ten years, we are developing investment plans for the Crook North and Tow Law, Peterlee East, and Stanley South areas. For the next two weeks, we are looking for feedback on draft visions for each area, which will help us develop investment plans to submit to Government for approval. Residents living in these areas are encouraged to give their views on the Pride in Place draft visions by Sunday 8 November. Find out how to take part: durham.gov.uk/article/37505/…

We are looking for people who want to play an important role and join our Audit Committee. 🔎 Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37488/…

Flu isn’t coming – it’s here already! 🦠 Flu season has started early this year, and it’s spreading fast If you’re eligible, get your flu vaccine now! Don’t wait until it’s too late – protect yourself today Find out if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine and book now nhs.uk/vaccinations #BeWiseImmunise

A new scheme aimed at reducing traffic congestion across County Durham will come into force next week. From Monday (19 October), we will be introducing a Lane Rental Scheme which will allow us to charge companies wanting to carry out roadworks on the county’s busiest roads, or at peak times. We will be the first local authority in the North East, and the first county outside of London, to introduce the scheme.

Spooky season is upon us once again. 🎃 Don't forget if you're carving a pumpkin, and not using the pulp for a soup or a recipe, you can place it in your food waste caddy alongside your plate scrapings, egg shells and other unwanted food. Place your black caddy out for collection every week with your rubbish or recycling collection. More information on our food waste collections can be found at: durham.gov.uk/FoodWasteResid…

Having a clear out this weekend? Don't forget to check our website before you travel for opening times of your local Household Waste Recycling Centre, emergency closures and more info: durham.gov.uk/hwrc

🌉This week we begun installing a new bridge over the River Gaunless, on the site of the former one in West Auckland. The new structure has been recreated in honour of Gaunless Bridge, which was built by George Stephenson and formed part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Date set for Craghead and South Moor County Division by election 🗳️ Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37466/…

A new scheme aimed at reducing traffic congestion across County Durham will come into force next week. From Monday (19 October), we will be introducing a Lane Rental Scheme which will allow us to charge companies wanting to carry out roadworks on the county’s busiest roads, or at peak times. Through these charges, the scheme is expected to encourage roadworks to be planned outside of busy travel times and completed over a shorter period. This will help reduce delays for residents, visitors and public transport services, as well as minimise impacts on businesses. We will be the first local authority in the North East, and the first county outside of London, to introduce the scheme.

This weekend, join Palette and Pop for a gorgeous autumn afternoon of creativity at @TheStoryDurham! 🎃 A lovely way to spend an autumn Sunday afternoon: paint, Prosecco and three hours to switch off and relax! Choose your colours, get creative and transform your own ceramic pumpkin into something completely unique. This is an adults only event. 🎃Ceramic Pumpkin Painting 📅Sunday 18 October, 1pm 🎟️ thestorydurham.org

Barnard Castle is a key part of the town's heritage and identity. We are working with Raby Estates, English Heritage, Barnard Castle Town Council and Historic England to explore how the castle can be protected, improved, and enjoyed by more people for generations to come. We're seeking your views on proposals that could: • Protect and restore the historic castle’s walls • Improve access to the castle • Create a more welcoming visitor experience • Open up more of the castle grounds to the public • Strengthen links between the castle and the town centre Ideas being explored include a new visitor gateway through the former NatWest building in Market Place and opening the Outer Ward as part of a connected visitor experience. You can find out more and share your views online at the link below or come along to our community drop-in event to view early designs, meet the project team and ask questions 📆Wednesday 21 October 📍28 The Market Place (former NatWest building) 🕐1pm to 3pm and 5pm to 7pm Provide your feedback before 4 November 2026 to help shape the future of this important heritage site. letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/e…

We have set a date for the Craghead and South Moor County Division by-election. Don’t forget to check your voter registration details 🗳️ Find out more: durham.gov.uk/article/37466/…

A supernatural mystery described as ‘Byker Grove meets Scream’ will have its regional premiere this month. 🎥 Created by Durham-born filmmaker Paul Stainthorpe and filmed in the North East, chilling feature film The Brook made its debut at London’s FrightFest earlier this year and is now coming to @GalaDurham. Book tickets: galadurham.co.uk/cinemapost/…

Thinking about a new role? One of these opportunities could be for you: 🔹Best Start Inclusion Practitioner 🔹Registered Homes Manager 🔹Fleet Passenger Assistant 🔹Commissioning Policy and Planning Officer 🔹Supporting Family Time Worker View all our current vacancies: durham.gov.uk/CurrentJobVaca…

A crowd gathered to watch Gaunless Bridge, a historic part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, be reinstated. durham.gov.uk/article/37463/…

Would you know what to do if your local area flooded? You can now check your risk, get free flood warnings and make a plan with a new gov website: floodaction.campaign.gov.uk/ #FloodActionWeek